Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous But his epic project is a stupendous, oceanfront complex in Palm Beach. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 Rinko Kikuchi is stupendous as a ballroom-dancing widow infatuated with her instructor. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Also stupendous is the aguachile, raw Mexican shrimp served in a zingy brew of fresh lime juice and jalapeños. Cathy Chaplin, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2026 To proceed more or less in order, renewables are now increasingly backstopped not by fossil fuels but by batteries, which have grown cheaper at a stupendous pace. Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
  • The park and walls have wonderful views, so take a seat and relax.
    Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • And the amazing part was that everyone in the building seemed to know that instantly.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
  • Yes, the mighty lavender—a favorite of humans and pollinators alike—is an all-year bloomer, and its amazing purple flowers will naturally scent your home daily.
    Kate Nateras, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Like many of the top execs at ESPN/ABC, Disney’s global ad sales president is a long-suffering Knicks fanatic, and her team’s astonishing comeback has placed them within arm’s reach of their first title in 53 years.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026
  • Unfortunately and with frankly astonishing frequency, Mercedes chose poorly for this little sedan, over and over again.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Sky hit several miraculous shots down the stretch while trailing by five with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026
  • One win away from defeating the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2026 NBA Finals after a miraculous comeback on Wednesday.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • But for the food historian, this is a marvelous insight into the symbolic role this particular item took on as the Renaissance gave way to the Reformation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • But Li Jun Li for me was perfect in the role and her voice as a singer was just marvelous.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • In an incredible twist of fate, a then-20-year-old Messi was actually photographed holding Yamal as a baby back in 2007.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • In baseball, the incredible comeback of the Mets to beat the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • DiCaprio's approach to fame might be surprising in the age of endless information and viral sound bites.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025
  • The Toronto Blue Jays made a somewhat surprising decision on Saturday.
    Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • His Qatari side equalized in the final minutes of their opening game, stunning the Swiss in the Bay Area in one of the shock results of the first weekend of the tournament.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • But spending 20 minutes staging content at the only overlook or the most stunning waterfall while a line of hikers waits behind you is not the move.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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